Pigmentation, also known as dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or age spots, is a common skin problem that develops with age. Dark spots appear overnight and indicate age. In this medical condition, melanin, the chemical that gives human skin its color, is overproduced in one area, leading to dark spots, liver spots, and other patches of dark skin. Let’s look at this position in a little more detail:
There are many types of pigmentation and they are caused by many factors. The following are the top three forms of hyperpigmentation:
Lentigines: This pigmentation is caused by excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun. These spots can appear in a scattered pattern and are usually seen in people over the age of 60, although many younger men and women may have sun-related dark spots.
Melasma: Hormonal changes are the root cause of this sort of dark skin condition. Women, in particular, may notice dark spots appearing on their skin during periods when their hormones are running high, especially during events such as pregnancy or menstruation. Melasma can also occur as a result of birth control pills, hormone therapy treatment, or thyroid dysfunction.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): These dark spots can be caused by trauma to the skin, including burns, acne, and certain skin care treatments that are harsh on the skin.
It should be noted that pigmentation is not inherently dangerous and does not cause health problems. However, some may wish to remove these for cosmetic reasons. In such cases, Pigmentation treatment methods are as follows:
Prescribed medication: Your doctor may prescribe bleaching creams to help the pigmentation fade gradually. This cream usually contains retinoids such as hydroquinone or tretinoin. This treatment usually takes months to show significant results.
Medical Procedures: There are many medical procedures that can treat pigmentation. These include:
At Sanjay Rithik Hospital, our team of dermatologists is here to help you get rid of pigmentation that can affect your appearance. With the latest treatment protocols, our experts are well-versed in the various types of blackheads and the associated treatments that help arrest and remove them.
If you feel your pigmentation is negatively impacting your appearance, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today.